4th millennium BCEReputable source · 2 sourcesWell documented
The Rise of Uruk and the First Cities
On the timeline · around 4th millennium BCE ·
What happened
Uruk grew into the world's first true metropolis, home to tens of thousands of people, ringed by great walls and centred on monumental temple complexes such as the Eanna precinct of the goddess Inanna.
Why it matters
Uruk is widely regarded as the first city in history — the place where dense population, monumental architecture, organised religion and specialised labour first came together.
Sources
- World History Encyclopedia. Uruk · Reputable source
- World History Encyclopedia. Sumer · Reputable source
Related timelines
- Ancient Egypt → — The other great river-valley civilization of antiquity